Why is Nijmegen attracting more and more tenants?

Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, will experience unprecedented popularity in the rental market in 2026. While major cities in the Randstad are struggling with saturation and astronomical prices, the “Keizerstad” has become a magnetic pole for a wide range of tenants. From international students and young professionals to expats and seniors: everyone seems to find their way to the Waalstad.

But what underlies this growth? Is it the historic charm, the strategic location, or are there deeper economic and policy factors at play? In this article, we analyse why Nijmegen is the big winner in the Dutch rental market in 2026.

The “Randstad flight” and affordability

Although rents in Nijmegen also rose in 2026, the city remains an attractive alternative for those fleeing Amsterdam or Utrecht.

• Price comparison: In Nijmegen, you will pay an average of €19.67 per square meter at the beginning of 2026. Although this is an increase compared to previous years, it is still significantly lower than the m² prices in the Randstad, which often exceed €25.00.
• Mid-rent segment: Nijmegen has invested heavily in the mid-range. With the realization of projects such as the New Metterswane and the developments in the Waalfront, there has been a wider range of quality rental properties between €950 and €1,300, exactly the price range for which there is the highest demand among working singles and couples.

A knowledge economy that attracts talent

In 2026, Nijmegen will be more than ever a city of knowledge and innovation. The presence of Radboud University and the University of Arnhem and Nijmegen (HAN) remains the main driver behind the influx of tenants.

• International students: A quarter of Nijmegen's population is now between 18 and 30 years old. Every year, the university attracts thousands of international students who directly use the rental market, especially in the studio and room segment.
• Health & high tech: With the growth of the Novio tech campus, Nijmegen is attracting more and more highly educated technicians and researchers. This group, often expats, more often opts for flexible leases in modern complexes over buying a home, which further boosts demand in the free sector.

New construction impulse: The city expands

In 2026, the active construction policy of the municipality of Nijmegen will bear fruit. Where other cities are stagnating, Nijmegen continues to build.

• Hof van Holland & Lent: Thousands of homes have been completed in the Waalsprong, including the remarkable Luna project near Lent station, which focuses specifically on sustainable social housing.
• Transformation of the Waalkade: The redevelopment of old industrial locations on the Waal has led to hip lofts and apartments that offer an urban lifestyle that was previously only found in the Randstad. This attracts a new type of tenant: the urban dweller who wants to combine luxury with the peace of nature.

Table: Average rental prices in Nijmegen (Data January 2026)

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Type of living space               Average rental price                Average price per m²

Room                                      € 475                                       € 23.75

Studio                                    € 800                                       € 26.08

Apartment                             € 1,250                                    € 21.25

Single-family home              € 1,500                                    € 11.53

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The impact of new regulations (2026)

A crucial factor in the growth of the number of tenants in Nijmegen is the amended national legislation that came into force on 1 January 2026.

• Housing allowance without borders: From 2026, the hard rent limit for housing allowance has expired. This means that tenants with a modest income in Nijmegen can now also receive a supplement for homes with a basic rent above €932, making it possible for a much larger group of people to continue living in the city, even in the slightly more expensive new buildings.
• Affordable Rent Act: The regulation of the middle segment has ensured that many private rental properties in Nijmegen-Oost and the Center fall back within accessible rental points. This has made the city more accessible to the 'average' Dutchman.

Quality of life: The “Green” argument

In a world where well-being is key, Nijmegen scores high in 2026. Tenants choose the city because of the unique balance between city and nature.

• Walking in the Ooijpolder: Within five minutes, you are from the center into the untouched nature of the Ooijpolder. This direct access to relaxation is a decisive factor for tenants who are tired of the hustle and bustle of the Randstad.
• The cycling city: Nijmegen is one of the most accessible cities by bike. The savings on parking costs and the focus on a car-free city center make it cheaper and more pleasant for tenants to live here.

Key insights: A city with a future

Nijmegen is gaining ground in the rental market in 2026 because it offers a total package that is rare elsewhere: a vibrant knowledge economy, a proactive new construction policy and an unprecedented natural environment, combined with prices that although firm still feel rational compared to the Randstad.

The growth in the number of tenants is no coincidence, but the result of a city that understands that housing must go hand in hand with quality of life and innovation. Renting in Nijmegen in 2026 is opting for a city with a rich past and an even richer future.

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